kitchen fume extractor

Types of kitchen fume extractors

Kitchen fume extractors or kitchen exhaust fans are of different types. They include range hood, down-draft ventilation, wall-mounted, and ceiling-mounted fume extractors.

A kitchen fume extractor or kitchen hood is a device with a canopy and mechanical fan hung above the stove or cooktop. It is usually the most common type of kitchen fume extractor. The kitchen fume extractor removes airborne grease, combustion products, heat, fumes, smoke, odors, and steam from the air by evacuation and filtration of the air in the kitchen. The kitchen fume extractor can be ducted to the outside or in recirculation mode. In recirculation mode, it cleans the air in the kitchen and blows it back.

Wall-mounted fume extractors are fume extractors designed to be mounted on the wall. They are ideal for kitchens with limited space and can be used in both residential and commercial kitchens. Wall-mounted fume extractors are available in both ducted and ductless models. Ducted wall-mounted fume extractors vent air outside, while ductless models use filters to clean the air before recirculating it.

Ceiling-mounted fume extractors are fume extractors that are suspended from the ceiling. They are an excellent option for kitchens with high ceilings. Ceiling-mounted fume extractors are available in ducted and ductless models. Ducted models vent air outside, while ductless versions use filters to clean the air before recirculating it.

Range hoods are fume extractors that are placed above the stove or cooktop. They come in different styles, including under-cabinet, wall-mounted, and island range hoods. Ducted range hoods vent air outside, while ductless models recirculate filtered air.

Down-draft ventilation is a type of fume extractor that is integrated into the stove or cooktop. It is usually located on the countertop and can be raised when in use and lowered when not in use. Down-draft ventilation systems can be ducted to the outside or in recirculation mode, where they clean the air and blow it back into the kitchen.

• Range hood
• Down-draft ventilation
• Wall-mounted fume extractor
• Ceiling-mounted fume extractor

Functions and features of kitchen fume extractors

The kitchen fume extractor fan is a vital piece of equipment in any kitchen, be it in a commercial setting or at home. It is designed to remove the smoke, grease, and other pollutants that are produced when cooking. The fan sucks air out of the kitchen and vents it outside. The kitchen fume extractor has many functions and features that make it effective.

• Suction Power

The suction power of a fume extractor is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). For a typical home kitchen, a 200 to 400 CFM fan is enough. However, the strength of the fan will depend on the size and type of kitchen in which it is installed. The more powerful the fan, the more air it can remove from the kitchen. This helps to get rid of the fumes and odors more quickly.

• Grease Filters

The filters are made of aluminum or stainless steel that can withstand high temperatures. They are placed inside the hood of the kitchen. As the air from the kitchen passes through the filters, the grease is trapped. This prevents the grease from clogging the fan and ductwork. The filters can be removed and cleaned easily with hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.

• Lighting

Some kitchen fume extractors have built-in lights to illuminate the cooking area. This can be helpful, especially when cooking at night or in a poorly lit kitchen.

• Speed Settings

Most kitchen fume extractors have different speed settings, like low, medium, and high. This allows the user to adjust the fan based on the type of cooking being done. For example, if one is pan-frying a steak, they can turn the fan up to high to quickly remove the fumes and odors. If one is simmering a pot of soup, they can use a lower setting.

• Noise Level

Some kitchen fume extractors can be quite noisy, especially at higher speeds. If noise is a concern, look for a fan with a low sone rating. A sone is a unit of loudness. A lower sone rating means the fan is quieter. A kitchen fume extractor with a sone rating of 1.0 or less is relatively quiet.

Scenarios

Kitchen fume extractors are extensively used in various industries and institutions to control and manage air quality. The following are the various usage scenarios of kitchen fume extractors.

Commercial kitchens: Restaurants with busy kitchens need kitchen fume extractors to remove oil from the kitchen. The fume extractors ensure the kitchen is safe and comfortable for the staff, and it also ensures the kitchen is compliant with safety and health regulations.

Residential buildings: Apartment buildings use kitchen fume extractors to get rid of the smells and steam from cooking. The fume extractors maintain the quality of the indoor air and keep the hallways fresh.

Manufacturing industries: Some industries produce fumes and smoke in the production process. They need fume extractors to maintain the required air quality and comply with the environmental regulations. Fume extractors are used to prevent workers from breathing hazardous fumes.

Welding workshops: Welding shops produce a lot of harmful fumes that can damage a person's respiratory system. Fume extractors are used to remove the fumes and protect the workers in the workshop.

Healthcare facilities: Hospitals use fume extractors in their laboratories to get rid of the fumes produced during testing. The fume extractors create clean and safe working conditions for the staff in the lab. Fume extractors are also used in other healthcare facilities like clinics and dental offices to remove fumes produced during certain medical procedures.

Education facilities: Schools and universities use fume extractors in their science laboratories. The fume extractors remove chemical fumes produced during experiments. The fume extractors ensure the students and teachers are in a safe and healthy learning environment.

Refineries: Refineries and petrochemical plants use large industrial fume extractors to remove fumes produced during the production process. The fume extractors help to prevent air pollution and ensure the facility complies with the environmental regulations.

How to Choose Kitchen Fume Extractors

When choosing fume extractors for the kitchen, users need to consider different factors to ensure they select an efficient and suitable extractor.

• The type of kitchen

When choosing a kitchen extractor fan, users need to consider the type of kitchen they have. Whether it's a commercial kitchen or a domestic one, users should select an extractor fan that can work efficiently in their kitchen.

• Amount of cooking

The number of times the user cooks and the amount of time spent cooking are also important factors to consider when choosing an extractor fan for the kitchen. If the user is someone who is always busy and does not have time to cook, a kitchen extractor fan with a timer would be suitable. This is because it can be programmed to turn on and off at specific times. Furthermore, if the user is a heavy cook, they should consider a kitchen extractor fan with a higher extraction rate. This is because it can extract fumes and smells faster than a model with a lower extraction rate.

• Mounting type

When choosing a kitchen fume extractor, a user should also consider the type of mounting he or she prefers. Some people choose wall-mounted extractors, while others prefer ceiling-mounted models. Furthermore, a user should consider the space above the stove and the ceiling height. This is because some kitchen extractor fans are designed for high ceilings, while others are not.

• Features

When selecting a kitchen fume extractor, one must consider the features they want. Some kitchen fume extractors have features like touch control, a digital display, and a timer. Furthermore, some models have lights, while others do not. A user should consider the features that are important to him or her before choosing a specific kitchen fume extractor.

• Number of filters

The number of filters in a kitchen extractor fan is also an important factor to consider. Kitchen fume extractors with more than one filter work more efficiently than those with one filter. Furthermore, kitchen extractor fans with multiple filters also require less maintenance than those with one filter.

Kitchen fume extractor Q&A

Q1: Is a kitchen hood required for a kitchen fume extractor?

A1: A kitchen fume extractor can be installed without a kitchen hood. However, it needs to be placed in a way that does not obstruct airflow. Otherwise, the extractor may not function properly.

Q2: What is the ideal height to install a kitchen fume extractor?

A2: The kitchen fume extractor should be installed at a height of at least 24-30 inches above the cooking range. However, this may vary depending on the model and manufacturer. It is important to refer to the installation manual for specific instructions.

Q3: How often do filters need to be replaced or cleaned?

A3: The frequency of filter replacement or cleaning depends on the type of filter, cooking habits, and usage. For baffle filters, it is recommended to clean them once a month. Mesh filters should be cleaned every 3-6 months. If using charcoal filters, they should be replaced every 3-6 months. Consulting the user manual will provide guidance based on the specific model.

Q4: Are kitchen fume extractors energy efficient?

A4: Energy efficiency varies depending on the type and model of kitchen fume extractor. Range hoods with ducted systems are generally more energy efficient because they do not have to work as hard to circulate air. On the other hand, ductless range hoods use more power since they have to circulate air through filters and back into the kitchen.

Q5: Are kitchen fume extractors easy to clean?

A5: Kitchen fume extractors are relatively easy to clean. Baffle filters are dishwasher safe, so they can be placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Mesh filters need to be washed by hand with warm, soapy water. Charcoal filters are not washable and need to be replaced when dirty.